Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests > Glass Paperweights
Info/ Conf please - Shona Spittel, "Kaleidoscope"
TimelessGlass:
1. Signed Shona Spittle called Kaleidoscope. 1995
2 numbers etched 30/75, limited?
No sign of makers mark.
Could these possibly be by the same artist and for which glass Makers?
Thanking you in advance.
Derek:
Hi Timelessglass
It's me again ! Shona Spittal was a long serving employee of Caithness glass.
As Shona Nicholson she joined Caithness as a trainee glassblower in 1985, rose
through the ranks to become training officer - a post previously held by Paul Ysart!
In 1992 she liaised with the designers in translating their designs into the step by
step procedures needed by the glassblowers to consistently create the design. She
married John Spittal who in 2002 was the Perth factory Manager. Shona stayed with
Caithness until the Perth factory closed in 2008.
Your weight Kaleidoscope is a mystery as it is not shown in the Charlton catalogue
for 1995 which is the Caithness bible. I cannot find any reference to Kaleidoscope
in 1995 anywhere. It was a popular name for a design there being three catalogued
versions through the years. There is a Shona Spittal design from 1996 which is
similar to your Kaleidoscope with the bolden bubble and what I am wondering is
if the Kaleideoscope weight was held back and re-released in 1996 in this slightly
modified form as hall of mirrors.
I know Allan Scott who was the chief lampworker for many years and have asked
him if he can shed any light.
Derek
TimelessGlass:
Derek,
You can furnish me with all the details you wish. It's fascinating.
Your facts are indeed interesting. Glad it's challenging you and look forward to your response.
Thankyou so much.
Derek:
Hi TimelessGlass
I have heard back from Allan Scott - its a complicated
story but in essence all the designers at Caithness were
allowed to submit two pieces to something called the
Scottish Glass Society exhibition which was held annually
to showcase the talent of all the glassmakers in Scotland
not just Caithness Glass.
It seem that Shona made Kaleidoscope for the 1995
exhibition and the design was "adapted" by Caithness
and released the following year as "Hall of Mirrors".
Allan says this was a common practice but at least
they had the courtesy to show Shona as the designer.
Amazingly Allan still has the catalogue for the 1995
Glass exhibition and as you can see the 4th entry in
the 6th showcase is your weight. He also has a
picture of the "Hall of Mirrors weight that yours
became in 1996. I've also posted this.
Hope this all helps
Derek
TimelessGlass:
Hi Derek,
What a result for us all. I am so grateful you have taken the time & trouble to enquire.
To clarify - does this mean our "Kaleidoscope" 1995 was a one off?
And is the numbered one - "Hall of Mirrors" 1996?
Thankyou for all this excellent information, which we will dutifully study & absorb.
I hope I am not taking liberties by posting weights from our "acquisition" .
We really are trying to meticulously work through each & every one to identify. You are being most helpful, Thankyou.
Regards Sharron.
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